YES in THE HEIGHTS Program

• Participants are assigned a Faculty Mentor who will guide their summer research. The Faculty Mentor will be from a discipline, or involved in research, that aligns with the participant’s research interests.
• Participants attend a weekly HICCC Cancer Biology Journal Club where they present and discuss cancer research articles with other HICCC interns.
• Participants build community among their peers in social and networking events.
• Participants will be guided in producing an Individual Development Plan, scientific abstract, and for 2nd years, a scientific oral presentation.
• This is a 2-year program (2 summers).
• Participants will be paid for 8 weeks of full-time work (35 hours/week).

• Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible. 

• At least 14 years of age. 

• Students must be in good standing at their current school and demonstrate a high aptitude and interest in science. 

• Trainees should be committed to being on the Columbia Medical or Morningside campus in person for 8 weeks. 

• Trainees should be committed to working 8 hours daily between working hours of 8am-6pm during the summer (this is contingent on the lab or group the participant is assigned to).

• This program does not provide housing for high school or undergraduate students, so we encourage local applications. Exceptions are universities that have established partnerships with the program. 

• We prioritize those from the catchment area that HICCC serves as well as those that participated in any HICCC/Columbia University-related events or activities: Scientific Enrichment Month (SEM), Empower the Citizen Lens ON Science through Education (eCLOSE), State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP). 

• Please note: This is a highly competitive program. Less than 10% of high school applicants are accepted and less than 20% of undergraduate applicants are accepted. 

• Undergraduate Scholars: June 1 to July 24, 2026 
• High School Scholars: June 29 to August 21, 2026 

• Application Opens: November 14, 2025

• Application Due: January 9, 2026

• Decisions Released: February 2026

• Early-February – Staff will contact references ONLY for applicants that have made it to the final round. 
• Mid-February – Finalists will be interviewed in a one-on-one virtual interview with a staff member. 
  • You will have 2 weeks to schedule the interview. If you do not respond in the 2-week window, you will not be considered for an internship spot. 
• Late February/Early march - Acceptance emails are sent. 
  • You will have 2 weeks to accept or reject the position. If you do not respond in the 2-week window, your spot will be offered to another applicant. 
• March – Onboarding with Columbia University HR (formal application, background checks, work permits, etc.) begins. 
• April – Program Orientations are scheduled (calendar invitations sent out). 
• May - Mentor matches are released, Program Welcome Packets are sent out, and Program Orientations are held. 
• June – Undergrad Scholars start. 
• July – High School Scholars start. 

What will my schedule look like?

Participant schedules will be mainly dictated by the Faculty Mentor. In addition to working with the mentor in their lab or office, participants will also attend YES in THE HEIGHTS programming and HICCC Cancer Biology Journal Club. Programming varies from week to week, and the Journal Club takes place on Friday mornings. Participants should be committed to being on the Columbia Medical or Morningside campus in person for 8 weeks. Participants should be committed to working 8 hours daily between working hours of 8am-6pm during the summer (this is contingent on the lab or group the participant is assigned to).

What will my research be about?

Your research will be closely, if not completely, related to your Faculty Mentor’s research. You might join an existing project with your mentor or be guided in your own independent research project.

Is housing provided on campus?

This program does not provide housing for high school or undergraduate students, so we encourage local applications. Exceptions are universities that have established partnerships with the program.

I am a graduating high school senior, which group would I be a part of?

You will be considered part of the High School group. Start dates are set to accommodate students’ academic calendar.

I am a graduating college student, can I apply?

Applicants that earn a bachelor’s degree by the start date are not eligible. You must be enrolled in a high school or undergraduate institution for the following Fall semester after the YES summer internship.

Do I get reimbursed for transportation to and from my internship?

No, we do not provide transportation funds to commute to your internship.